David Abele - Community Leader & Contributor

David Abele is a Minneapolis-based realtor who supports several local and national charitable organizations. One such organization, The Aliveness Project, provides individuals in Minnesota living with HIV access to quality, affordable healthcare, even if they lack insurance.

Members receive basic living needs, from referrals to mental health services and housing applications to nutrition counseling and grocery store assistance that promotes a healthy diet, mindful of everyone’s health challenges. Our Aliveness Project case managers help members take advantage of assistance in every way available based on a patient’s specific needs.

The Aliveness Project welcomes newly diagnosed and long-time patients living with HIV.  To join, prospective members apply with valid medical documentation confirming HIV-positive status and proof of Minnesota residency. 

The organization also offers HIV testing services to help determine eligibility. Councilors certified by the Minnesota Health Department oversee in-person, rapid testing, and interested individuals can also acquire an at-home HIV test free of charge. 

David Abele is a proud contributor to The Aliveness Project and its goals, he shares their vision of providing affordable care and promoting health in the community. 

David Abele also supports other charitable organizations such as the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

Since its founding in 1981, the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) has raised nearly $200 million to fight cancer and help affected individuals and their families. 

A national nonprofit organization, the CCRF also hosts fundraising events and administers educational programs designed to raise cancer awareness. Money raised through the CCRF’s fundraising efforts helps to fund three core areas: support programs, research, and education. 

Support programs for families going through cancer treatment include support groups, camps, the Cure Cancer Bear programs, and the Big Dreams partnership with musician and artist James Orrigo. 

Moreover, CCRF funds peer support groups through Momcology, a nonprofit group that offers online support communities and weekend retreats. 

In addition to the CCRF, David Abele supports other healthcare causes such as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House and the Birchwood Project.

The Birchwood Project is a breathtaking getaway whose philanthropic goal is to provide free summer retreat lodging to children and families facing medical challenges, combining a year-round boutique resort atmosphere with outdoor activities. The project, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023, is in the Brainerd Lakes area of Pillager, Minnesota, close to medical in the state.

Kids and parents will enjoy a well-deserved respite from the tests, treatments, bills and exhaustion that is part of caring for a sick child. And, even though it will feel like you’re miles away from civilization, the Retreat is close enough to medical facilities in Brainerd, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities to allow for peace of mind.

This is a unique concept that combines luxury accommodations, the healing power of nature and charitable sharing with kids and families who need a break. Lodge guests can be glad in the knowledge that their relaxing getaway makes it possible for these families to benefit from the much-needed gift of nature’s therapeutic power. Recipients of The Birchwood Project Retreat cabin stays will be selected through a simple application process as nominated through hospitals or other charitable organizations.

David Abele is the founder of the Birchwood Project and eagerly awaits its opening in 2023.